FREDERICTON, Dec. 5 /CNW/ - Gregory P. Black, of Mississauga, Ontario, has been named president and chief executive officer of Trius Asset Management Corp. Black succeeds Ross J. Beatty, who will become Chairman on December 6th, 2005. This appointment is subject to regulatory approval. Black, a 24-year veteran of the Canadian investment management industry has served in numerous senior executive roles since 1981. His appointment is effective December 6th, 2005. "Gregory Black has been a dedicated and talented leader in the Canadian investment services industry for more than 24 years," said Ross J. Beatty, the newly appointed Chairman of Trius Asset Management Corp. "His leadership skills and commitment are evident to all who meet him. He was the unanimous choice of both the search committee and the full board." Mr. Black began his career in the investment industry in 1981 with National Victoria & Grey Trust. In 1985 he joined the CIBC Investment Bank, as Assistant Manager, Underwriting & Government Finance. In 1987 Mr. Black moved to the CIBC Securities Bond Desk, and in 1989 was promoted to Senior Fixed Income Trader for CIBC Wood Gundy. In 1991 Mr. Black co-founded Black Investment Management Ltd. (BIM), an Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered Investment Counsellor. The firm initially focused on pension fund management, but later expanded to serve the needs of high net worth individuals, and develop mutual funds, labour sponsored funds and alternative investment strategies. As his firm's assets under management approached $500 million, he orchestrated an acquisition initiative that consolidated five investment management firms with combined client assets of over $1.3 billion. Mr. Black has been registered as an Investment Councillor Portfolio Manager (ICPM) with the OSC, and a Portfolio Manager (PM) with the Investment Dealers Association of Canada (IDA), and has served on several Boards of Directors. He was educated at De La Salle College in Toronto, Ontario, and Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Mr. Black is active in his community, and has worked with numerous charities over the years. His club affiliations have included The Royal Canadian Military Institute, The Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and the Variety Club. "We have great confidence in Gregory's leadership," said Gordon Wheaton, Chair of Trius Investments Inc., parent company of Trius Asset Management Corp. "His talent and personal qualities, as well as his experience and knowledge of the financial services industry will set the stage for a strong future at Trius." As senior executive of Trius Asset Management Corp., Black will be responsible for developing a family of investment funds in Canada, building an investment councillor group of companies under the Trius umbrella and attracting senior investment professionals to Trius Asset Management Corp. Trius Investments Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "TRU". This press release may contain forward-looking statements including management's assessment of future plans. These statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to projects or capital expenditures. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. %SEDAR: 00009507E